The study concluded that highly socially anxious individuals “may demonstrate a unique social-cognitive abilities profile with elevated cognitive empathy tendencies and high accuracy in affective mental state attributions.” So basically…

Increased sensitivity to others’ emotions can come with a variety of benefits, such as being a more supportive friend or effectively reading the tone of a social gathering and acting accordingly – both social skills that are incredibly useful for functioning in society and may be difficult for less socially anxious individuals to acquire.

Superpower #2 – Intelligence

Further research on the subject of highly anxious individuals also uncovered that a mind which is constantly ‘worrying and ruminating’ tends to rank much higher on intelligence scales such as IQ tests.

That likely hits home with you if anxiety is something you deal with. I know it resonates with me; I worry so excessively about dangerous situations that I tend to be extra safe. It means I’m a bit paranoid at times but it also means I avoid dangerous outcomes with ease.

So, not only are anxious people able to keep themselves safe – they help others as well.

Super powers, dude.

Like all superheroes, people with anxiety have to come to grips with their powers.

In any superhero story, you’ll find instances where they outright wish they didn’t have their powers. That’s because even superpowers can make life miserable sometimes. Anxiety is no different. But, as with all superheroes, the aim is to find balance. And don’t think for a moment it’s not possible; it is. This post is a good place to start.